MinimalPairs
Lessons

Minimal pair · French (France)

French /ø/ vs /œ//ø/ / /œ/

Learn to hear the difference between ø and œ in French words.

Practice these sounds
/ø/

A close-mid, rounded vowel

A front vowel with rounded lips. This vowel is not schwa.

As injeûne
/œ/

An open-mid, rounded vowel

A front vowel with rounded lips. Listen to its quality immediately before the final French r.

As injeune

WHAT TO LISTEN FOR

A small change.
A different word.

Learn to hear the difference between ø and œ in French words.

Listen for the target sound in each word.

Sound examples

Tap to hear each word
jeûne
/ʒøn/a fast; abstention from food
meute
/møt/pack of animals
neutre
/nøtʁ/neutral
feutre
/føtʁ/felt-tip pen
creuse
/kʁøz/hollow; feminine adjective
jeune
/ʒœn/young
veulent
/vœl/want; present-tense form with they
peur
/pœʁ/fear
sœur
/sœʁ/sister
beurre
/bœʁ/butter
neuf
/nœf/nine in isolation

11 words. Words stay hidden during practice unless you choose to reveal them.

Now, let your ears decide.

Can you hear the difference? Listen to two examples, then decide which sound you hear in a new word. Get feedback after every answer.

Practice these sounds

Keep the sound. Change the word.

Learn to hear the difference between ø and œ in French words.

Explore all French contrasts
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